The Château de Polignac, also known as the Fortress of Polignac, is a medieval fortress located near the commune of Polignac in the Haute-Loire department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France.
The fortress is situated on a rocky basalt outcrop, which forms a kind of plateau that dominates the surrounding plains, providing an excellent strategic position. Its origins date back to the 11th century, and it was the ancestral home of the Polignac family, an influential French noble family.
The structure is notable for its keep, a large square tower also known as the "Donjon of Polignac." The fortress also consists of several other structures including a chapel, residential buildings, and defensive walls. Throughout its history, the château was expanded several times, with structures added and modified according to the defensive needs of different periods.
By the time of the French Revolution in the late 18th century, the Château de Polignac was largely abandoned and fell into ruin. However, starting from the 19th century and continuing into the 20th century, efforts were made to preserve and restore the site.
Today, the fortress is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the Polignac family and the fortress itself. The site also provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
TIP: As you commence your journey towards the castle, a quaint store will greet you. It is here you must purchase your entry tokens, as there is no dedicated ticket booth. Failing to do so will leave you ascending a sloping trail, only to encounter a barrier at the end that mandates the use of these tokens for entry.
El Camino de Saint Jacques de Compostela
Polignac lies along one of the key pathways of El Camino de Saint Jacques de Compostela (Saint James Way). Thus, it's commonplace to encounter a multitude of trekkers traversing this route on their way to Le Puy-en-Velay.
The church (Eglise Sainte-Anne et Saint-Martin de Polignac) lies at the start of the trail leading to the fortress. This church is one of the stopping points for the Camino trekkers.